The completion of the Wisting project will mark an end to an important transitional phase for the yard. ‘We are hopeful that it will prove the catalyst for more conversion and refit work in the years ahead,’ said managing director Chris Baker

The yard is also actively tendering for a number of newbuild projects. Negotiations are taking place with a view to building two 10m scallop dredgers, one for a local customer and another for a client in Scotland.  Talks over the possible construction of a 15m scallop boat are also at a fairly advanced stage.

Bringing in regular year round projects is key to the yard’s medium term future. The staff  has risen from 13 to 26 (including a number of part time personnel) over the past two years. Within its superb new workshop complex, Booth W Kelly now has a full range of engineering capabilities. From the maintenance of heavy vehicles for local contractors and clients such as Ramsey Commissioners, to the ongoing engineering maintenance of the Laxey Wheel for Manx National Heritage, the company is becoming increasingly busy. A new push rod for the ‘Lady Isabella’ was fabricated at the yard last year. Maintenance and repair contracts form another important part of the yard’s business activities.

MJ Information No: 22424